Good read indicator for hybrid code reader

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an image collecting module. The image collection module is provided with a first indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a first portion of a hybrid dataform and a second indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a second portion of the hybrid dataform.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/017,655, filed Dec. 6, 2001, entitled GOOD READ INDICATOR FOR HYBRIDCODE READER, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.60/272,210, which was filed Feb. 28, 2001, entitled GOOD READ INDICATORFOR HYBRID CODE READER. This application is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/182,205, filed Oct. 30, 1998, entitled AUDIBLEINDICATORS FOR OPTICAL CODE READING SYSTEMS. The entireties of theseapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to image collection and, moreparticularly, to a portable image collection module having multipleindicators for informing a user of a valid input for different portionsof a hybrid dataform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous types of portable image collection devices. One typeof image collection device is a portable data collection device, whichis widely used in manufacturing, service and package delivery industriesto perform a variety of on-site data collection activities. Suchportable data collection devices often include integrated bar codedataform readers adapted to read bar code dataforms affixed to products,product packaging and/or containers in warehouses, retail stores,shipping terminals, for inventory control, tracking, production controland expediting, quality assurance and other purposes.

Bar code dataforms come in a variety of different formats including oneand two dimensional bar codes, matrix codes and graphic codes, as wellas words and numbers and other symbols, which may be printed or etchedon paper, plastic cards and metallic and other items. For example, a onedimensional bar code dataform typically consists of a series of parallellight and dark rectangular areas of varying widths. The light areas areoften referred to as Aspaces@ and the dark areas as Abars.@ Differentwidths of bars and spaces define different characters in a particularbar code dataform.

Data originally encoded in a dataform is recovered for further use in avariety of ways. For example, a printed bar code may be illuminated toderive reflectance values which are digitized, stored in buffer memoryand subsequently decoded to recover the data encoded in the bar code.The printed bar code may be illuminated using a laser, an array of LEDs,ambient light, or the like. The light reflected from the printed barcode typically is collected or captured using a photosensor such as, forexample, a CCD detector or CMOS detector. A visual (e.g., a tri-colorlight emitting diode) and/or audible indicator (e.g., a beep from aspeaker ) is provided to inform a user whether or not a proper readinghas been obtained.

Recently, new hybrid type codes have been developed which include aone-dimensional code bottom portion and a two-dimensional code topportion. However, there is no indicator mechanism to inform a user wheneither one or both portions of the new hybrid type code has beensuccessfully decoded by a dataform reading device. Therefore, there isan unmet need in the art to provide a system and method for informing auser reading a hybrid barcode when either or both portions of a hybriddataform has been successfully read.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an image collecting module operable toread one-dimensional, two-dimensional and hybrid dataforms. The imagecollection module includes a selection switch for determining which typeof dataform to read. The image collecting module is provided with anindicator system and method for providing a user with indication of avalid read and an invalid read. In the case of a hybrid dataform, theimage collecting module is provided with a first indicator forindicating a valid read for a first portion of the hybrid dataform(e.g., the one-dimensional portion or the two-dimensional portion) and asecond indicator for indicating a valid read for a second portion (e.g.,the other of the one-dimensional portion or the two-dimensionalportion). The first and second indicators may be visual, audible,mechanical (e.g., vibration) or a combination of the above. Errorindicators are also provided for indicating an invalid read for thefirst and/or the second portions of the hybrid dataform.

One aspect of the present invention relates to an image collectingmodule. The image collection module comprises a first indicator operableto provide an indication of a valid read of a first portion of a hybriddataform and a second indicator operable to provide an indication of avalid read of a second portion of the hybrid dataform. The first andsecond indicators can be LEDs that flash at a first color (e.g., green)for a valid read and flash at a second color for an invalid read (e.g.,red). The first LED can flash after a valid read or an invalid read ofthe first portion, while the second LED can flash after a valid read oran invalid read of the second portion. Alternatively, the firstindicator and the second indicator can be a first and second state of aLED. For example, the LED can illuminate after a valid read of a firstportion and turn off after a valid read of a second portion. The LED canflash with an error indication if an invalid read of the first andsecond portion occurs, or a timeout between reads. It is to beappreciated that many variations may be performed in providing visualindicators for the reading of the first and second portions.

The first and second indicators can be audible signals such as a beep.The first and second indicators can include a first and second audiblesignal having different tones. Alternatively, the first and secondindicators can be a first and a second state of an audible signal. Forexample, the audible indicator can turn on after a valid read of a firstportion of a hybrid dataform and turn off after a valid read of a secondportion of the hybrid dataform. An error indicator having a differenttone can indicate an invalid read or a timeout between reads.Additionally, the indicator can be mechanical such as a vibrationsystem. The vibration system can turn on when a first portion of ahybrid dataform is validly read and turn off after a valid read of asecond portion of the hybrid dataform. The first and second indicatorsand the error indicators can be one or any of the above mentionedindicator types. For example, a LED can flash after a valid read of afirst portion of the hybrid dataform and an audible signal can beprovided after a valid read of the second portion. The dataform canvibrate, flash the LED with a different color and/or provide an audiblesignal of a different tone for an error indication.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention,then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative examplesof the invention. These examples are indicative, however, of but a fewof the various ways in which the principles of the invention may beemployed. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portable image collection module inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the components of a portable imagecollection module in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a methodology for providing indication of a validread of a first and second portion of a hybrid dataform;

FIG. 4 illustrates another methodology for providing indication of avalid read of a first and second portion of a hybrid dataform; and

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another methodology for providing indication of avalid read of a first and second portion of a hybrid dataform;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a portable, hand held image collection module (orimage reader) 10 in accordance with the present invention. The portableimage collection module 10 includes a housing 12 defining an interiorregion which contains various mechanical and electrical components asdescribed herein. The housing 12 includes upper and lower housingportions 14 and 16, respectively. The upper portion 14 includes endportions 20 and 22 which are spaced apart by elongated sidewall portions24, 26, 28, 30. A central axis 32 extends through the end portions 20and 22 substantially parallel to the sidewall portions 24-30. Anaperture 34 is formed in the front end portion 20 for receivingreflected light from a target object 36 that is aligned with the axis32. The upper housing portion 14 has a height, indicated at 38, which isdefined by the distance between sidewall portions 26 and 30. While inthis example, the upper portion of the housing 14 is a generallyrectangular cylinder or cube, it is to be appreciated that other housingshapes and configurations may be employed and that all suchconfigurations are intended to be within the scope of the appendedclaims.

The lower housing portion 16 extends from the lower sidewall 30 of theupper housing portion 14 near the end 22. The lower housing portion 16is sized to be grasped in the hand of an operator. A trigger, switch oractuator 40 is coupled to the housing 12 for initiating image collectionby the module 10. The trigger 40 is positioned, for example, to bedepressed by an index finger of the operator while the lower housingportion 16 of the housing 12 is held in the operator's hand. A powersource (not shown), such as a rechargeable battery for supplyingoperating power to the portable image collection module 10, may also belocated in the lower housing portion 16.

The housing 12 also includes a first small opening 44 and a second smallopening 46 formed in the end portion 22 of the upper housing portionthrough which a first and a second indicator light emitting diode (LED)are visible. The indicator LEDs, for example, alternates between threecolors. The color green is displayed by the indicator LED when themodule 10 is on standby, ready for use. The color orange is displayedwith the module 10 has successfully completed an operation such asdecoding a portion of a target dataform. The color red is displayed whenthe module 10 is not ready to perform an operation. The first indicatorLED provides an indication whether or not a that a successful read hasoccurred for a two-dimensional dataform or a portion of atwo-dimensional dataform, in the case of a hybrid dataform (e.g., adataform having both one-dimensional and two dimensional portions). Thesecond indicator LED provides an indication whether or not a successfulread has occurred for a one-dimensional dataform or a portion of aone-dimensional dataform.

Alternatively, or in addition to the visual LED indicators, an audibleindicator may be provided via a speaker 45. For example, the audibleindicator can provide a single beep for reading both parts of a hybriddataform, provide two different beeps as each portion of a hybriddataform is read, or provide a sustained beep when one portion is readand maintains the beep until the other potion of the dataform is read ofa hybrid dataform. The audible indicator can further provide indicationwhen reading in either a one-dimensional or two-dimensional dataform. Asingle similar beep can be provided for a successful reading of either aone-dimensional or two-dimensional dataform or different beeps either insound or repetition can be provided the one-dimensional andtwo-dimensional dataforms. A switch 47 is located on the lower housingportion 16. The switch provides a user with the ability to selectbetween reading from a one-dimensional, a two-dimensional or a hybriddataform.

An imaging assembly 46 is mounted in the upper housing portion 14 forimaging the target object 36 having a two-dimensional imaging targetarea 48 located above a one-dimensional target area 50. The imagingtarget areas 48 and 50 define the field of view of the imaging assembly46, with the axis 32 intersecting the imaging target area near itscenter. The image (e.g., reflected light) of the target object 36 isreceived by the imaging assembly through the aperture 34. The imagingassembly 46 includes a photosensor circuit board 51 having a photosensorarray 52 and other circuitry to facilitate the image collection process.The imaging assembly 46 also includes at least one reflector 54 forreceiving the image of the target object 36 and redirecting the receivedimage onto the photosensor array 52. The reflector 54 may direct theboth the two-dimensional imaging target area 48 and the one-dimensionaltarget area 50 to different portions of the photosensor array 52.Alternatively, the reflector may be movable to direct one of theportions to the photosensor array prior to directing the other portion.It is to be appreciated that a variety of different methodologies may beemployed to direct and decode the image of the target object 36.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an image collection module 100in accordance with the present invention is provided. A microprocessor200 controls the various operations and performs image analysis indecoding a target dataform as is described more fully below. Themicroprocessor 200 is programmed to carry out the various control andprocessing operations for performing the functions disclosed herein. Amemory 216 coupled to the microprocessor 200 serves to store the variousprograms and other data associated with the operation of the imagecollection module 100. A person having ordinary skill in the art will beable to program such operations without undue effort. Hence, additionaldetail is omitted for sake of brevity.

The microprocessor 200 is coupled to an address generator 202, via alocal bus 208, which is designed to output a sequence of pixel addressescorresponding to a desired pixel data readout pattern from a photosensorarray 210. For example, the microprocessor 200 may be configured to readout consecutive horizontal lines of pixel data from multiple zones sothat such pixel data can be processed to reconstruct the entire imageprovided within the field of view of the image collection module 100.The addresses are provided from the address generator 202 to thephotosensor array 210 via an address bus 206. The photosensor array 210provides, as its output data, pixel data on data bus 207 whichcorresponds to the address provided on bus 206. The address generator202 in turn provides the pixel data to the microprocessor 200 via bus208. Data may therefore be collected from the photosensor array 210substantially in real time according to a predefined data readoutpattern. It will be appreciated that, while the present example depictsthe address generator 202 to be physically separated from thephotosensor array 210, it is possible for both components to be providedon a single chip.

By way of example, to carry out a dataform reading operation, theoperator points a lens/reflector system 212 towards the target object tobe imaged. Light is directed by the reflector system 212 to anassociated lens thereof which cooperate with one another to focus thelight on the photosensor array 210. The operator then initiates theimage read operation via a trigger 240 or other methods. A triggercircuit 242 generates an interrupt signal which is provided to themicroprocessor 200 indicating the initiation of an image readingoperation. The microprocessor 200 communicates with the addressgenerator 202 via the control bus 208 which causes the address generator202 to begin generating addresses for the predefined readout pixelpattern.

The image data from the photosensor array 210 consists of digital dataindicative of the instantaneous illumination of the pixel. For example,the target object may be formed of a series of black and whitebars/spaces (e.g., a one-dimensional bar code dataform), a series ofblack and white rows and columns of dots (e.g., a two dimensional barcode dataform or a combination of both (e.g., a hybrid bar codedataform). The photosensor array 210 includes an analog to digital (A/D)converter 220 therein for converting analog pixel data obtained from theaddressed pixels to digital pixel data. Alternatively, the A/D converter220 may be separate from the photosensor array 210. The A/D converter220 has adjustable gain which may be adjusted via a gain adjust controlsignal provided on line 226 from the microprocessor 200. The digitizedpixel data from the photosensor array 210 is provided via the addressgenerator 202 to the microprocessor 200. The microprocessor 200evaluates the range of the acquired pixel data on-the-fly to see if thefull range of the A/D converter 220 is utilized. If not, themicroprocessor 200 adjusts the gain of the input to the A/D converter220. The microprocessor 200 then receives a distance measurement from adistance measurement device 250 according to the distance that thetarget object is from the module 100. The microprocessor 200 thentransmits an adjustment signal to the reflector system 212, so that theappropriate focal length is provided. The microprocessor 200 thenproceeds to decode the image of the target object (e.g., dataform).

The image collection module 100 further includes a radio module 252 andantenna 254 for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data with remotedevices. Additionally and/or alternatively, the image collection module100 may include a serial or parallel I/O port (not shown) forcommunicating data with external devices.

The microprocessor 200 is coupled to an illumination assembly 260 viapower circuitry 262 which enables the microprocessor 200 to control theillumination assembly 260 to provide general illumination and targetingduring operation. The illumination assembly 260 of the present examplemay employ any of various light sources wherein output light is sculptedto be spread across a target object, such as a dataform. Themicroprocessor 200 also is coupled to a selection switch 264 to allow aselection of a dataform type ( e.g., one-dimensional, two-dimensional orhybrid dataform. The microprocessor controls and operates an indicatorsystem 250. The indicator system 250 provides indication to a userwhether or not a valid read has occurred. The indicator system 250 isoperable to provide indication of a valid read of a one-dimensional,two-dimensional or hybrid dataform based on the selection of selectionswitch 264.

While in this example, the trigger circuit 242, processor 200, memory216, address generator 202 and photosensor array 210 are illustrated asbeing part of the circuit board 230, it is to be appreciated that, inaddition to the photosensor array, a greater or lesser amount of circuitcomponents may be included as part of the circuit board 230 inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a methodology thatthe processor and image processing circuitry may run for providingindication of a valid or invalid read for a hybrid dataform. Themethodology or routine is performed after the image collection module100 has a hybrid dataform captured within the field of view and afterthe trigger 240 is depressed. At 300, the processor and image processingcircuitry 200 determines if the image collection module is ready. If theimage collection module is not ready (NO), the methodology will continuedetermining whether or not the image collection module is ready at 300.If the image collection module is ready (YES), the methodology proceedsto 310 and reads and decodes a first portion of the hybrid dataform. Theroutine then determines if a valid read of the first portion hasoccurred at 320. If a valid read has not occurred (NO), the routineproceeds to 325 to provide a first error indication and then returns to300. If a valid read has occurred (YES), the routine advances to 330 toread and decode a second portion of the hybrid dataform. The methodologythen determines if a valid read of the second portion has occurred at340. If a valid read has not occurred (NO), the routine proceeds to 345to provide a second error indication and then return to 300. If a validread has occurred (YES), the routine advances to 350 to activate a validread indicator. The routine then returns to 400 for the next read.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating another example of a methodologythat the processor and image processing circuitry can run for providingindication of a valid or invalid read for a hybrid dataform. Themethodology or routine is performed after the image collection module100 has a hybrid dataform captured within the field of view and afterthe trigger 240 is depressed. At 400, the processor and image processingcircuitry 200 determines if the image collection module is ready. If theimage collection module is not ready (NO), the methodology will continuedetermining whether or not the image collection module is ready at 400.If the image collection module is ready (YES), the methodology proceedsto 410 and reads and decodes a first portion of the hybrid dataform. Theroutine then determines if a valid read of the first portion hasoccurred at 420. If a valid read has not occurred (NO), the routineproceeds to 425 to provide an error indication and then returns to 400.If a valid read has occurred (YES), the routine advances to 430 totoggle a first indicator. The routine then proceeds to 440 to read anddecode a second portion of the hybrid dataform. The methodology thendetermines if a valid read of the second portion has occurred at 450. Ifa valid read has not occurred (NO), the routine proceeds to 425 toprovide an error indication and then returns to 400. If a valid read hasoccurred (YES), the routine advances to 460 to toggle a secondindicator. The routine then returns to 400 for the next read.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating yet another example of amethodology that the processor and image processing circuitry can runfor providing indication of a valid or invalid read for a hybriddataform. The methodology or routine is performed after the imagecollection module 100 has a hybrid dataform captured within the field ofview and after the trigger 240 is depressed. At 500, the processor andimage processing circuitry 200 determines if the image collection moduleis ready. If the image collection module is not ready (NO), themethodology will continue determining whether or not the imagecollection module is ready at 500. If the image collection module isready (YES), the methodology proceeds to 510 and reads and decodes afirst portion of the hybrid dataform. The routine then determines if avalid read of the first portion has occurred at 520. If a valid read hasnot occurred (NO), the routine proceeds to 525 to provide an errorindication and then returns to 500. If a valid read has occurred (YES),the routine advances to 530 and activates an indicator. The routine thenproceeds to 540 to read and decode a second portion of the hybriddataform. The methodology then determines if a valid read of the secondportion has occurred at 550. If a valid read has not occurred (NO), theroutine proceeds to 555 to deactive the indicator and then returns to525 to provide an error indication. If a valid read has occurred (YES),the routine advances to 560 to deactivate the indicator. The routinethen returns to 500 for the next read.

What has been described above are certain aspects of the presentinvention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe present invention, but one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentinvention are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intendedto embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to theextent that the term includes is used in either the detailed descriptionand the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term comprising.

1. An image collection module comprising: an optical system that directsa first target area image and a second target area image onto aphotosensor array; and a first indicator and a second indicator thatrespectively indicate whether a valid detection is made of the firsttarget area image and the second target area image.
 2. The imagecollection module of claim 1, the optical system comprises a reflectorthat directs the respective first and second target area images todifferent portions of the photosensor array.
 3. The image collectionmodule of claim 1, the optical system comprises a reflector that movesto direct one of the first and second target area images to thephotosensor array prior to directing the respective other of the firstand second target area images to the photosensor array.
 4. The imagecollection module of claim 1, one of the first and second target areasis a one-dimensional portion of a hybrid dataform, and the respectiveother of the first and second target areas is a two-dimensional portionof a hybrid dataform.
 5. The image collection module of claim 1, atleast one of the first and second indicators comprises a photoindicator.
 6. The image collection module of claim 5, the firstindicator comprises a first LED and the second indicator comprises asecond LED.
 7. The image collection module of claim 6, the first LEDcomprises at least a first color and the second LED comprises at least asecond color.
 8. The image collection module of claim 6, the first LEDis configured to emit a first valid signal that indicates a validdetection of the first target area image and a first invalid signal thatindicates an invalid detection of the first target area image, and thesecond LED is configured to emit a second valid signal that indicates avalid detection of the second target area image and a second invalidsignal that indicates an invalid detection of the second target areaimage.
 9. The image collection module of claim 8, the respective signalsare selected from at least one of different color signals, pulsationsignals and on/off state signals.
 10. The image collection module ofclaim 5, at least one of the first and second indicators comprises avisual indicator and at least the respective other of the first andsecond indicators comprises an audible indicator.
 11. The imagecollection module of claim 1, further comprising an illuminationassembly that spreads an output light onto the first and second targetareas such that reflected light is detected by the photosensor array.12. The image collection module of claim 1, the optical system furthercomprises a lens system that focuses the first and second target areaimages onto the photosensor array.
 13. A method of reading a hybriddataform comprising: detecting a first target area image and a secondtarget area image directed to a photosensor array; and indicatingwhether a valid read is made of each of the first target area image andthe second target area image by employing a first indicator for thefirst target area image and a second indicator for the second targetarea image.
 14. The method of claim 13, the directing comprisesdirecting the respective first target area image and the second targetarea image to different portions of the photosensor array.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, the directing comprises directing one of the firstand second target area images to the photosensor array prior todirecting the respective other of the first and second target areaimages.
 16. The method of claim 13, the indicating comprisesilluminating at least one photo indicator.
 17. The method of claim 16,the indicating comprises illuminating the first photo indicator toindicate detection of the first target area image, and illuminating thesecond photo indicator to indicate detection of a second target areaimage.
 18. The method of claim 16, the illuminating the first photoindicator comprises emitting a first valid signal to indicate a validdetection of the first target area image and a first invalid signal toindicate an invalid detection of the first target area image, and theilluminating the second photo indicator comprises emitting a secondvalid signal to indicate a valid detection of the second target areaimage and a second invalid signal to indicate an invalid detection ofthe second target area image.
 19. The method of claim 18, theilluminating the first and second photo indicators comprises emittingrespective signals selected from at least one of different colorsignals, pulsation signals and on/off state signals.
 20. An imagecollection module comprising: means for detecting a first target areaimage and a second target area image; and means for indicating whether avalid read is made of each of the images of the first target area andthe second target area by employing a first indicator for the firsttarget area image and a second indicator for the second target areaimage.